The Needles

[khiemtran]

If you ever happen to be in Sydney, one of the nicest things is that after a dreary winter filled with swimming, sailing, bushwalking and paddling, at last Spring will roll around and it's time for ... more swimming, sailing, bushwalking and paddling.



This time, I'm going kayaking with my friend James, who kindly leant me a much nicer "yak" than the type I usually use.



We launch just across the river from the Woronora River Boat Shed. If you don't have a friend who can lend you a kayak, you can always hire one from here.



This time, we made it all the way to the tidal limit at The Needles, one of the secret spots in The Shire.



Here the Woronora River turns into a series of pools and rivulets. No more paddling, but the streams are cool and filled with tiny fish. People often come here on hot days to cool off, either by boat or by car.



Taking a break to explore around the rocks.



Cool water on a hot day...



Perhaps one day we'll follow the creek further upstream. It will have to be on foot though.



Just below The Needles is a popular fishing spot. Just as we were leaving, we saw several boatloads of people arrive, apparently for a picnic.



Heading home again. If you do go to the Needles, it's best to plan your trip to coincide with a flood tide on the way in and an ebb tide on the way out. That way, even if the wind is against you on the way back, you'll have moon-power on our side.



And after your paddle, what better place to go then the Boat Shed, for a coffee and some lunch by the water?

Comments

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

That looks like a lovely way to spend a morning. The Needles are gorgeous.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a special place, especially when it's empty. Would have been a bit noisy once the other boats arrived. It's always a bit of a shock to think that it's still all inside the biggest city in Australia.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Wow, I didn't realize it was all inside Sydney!

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's not all that far from our house, as the crow flies. Getting in via the river takes a bit of work though...

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

So that's within the city limits?!

Wow, *very* hard to believe. Very lucky for all the residents!

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

We are very lucky. Someday, I'll have to do a post about the river system that extends our way out from Botany Bay.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Oh this looks like *just* the sort of place I love to come to scramble around on rocks and swim. Do you ever fish there?

(And the thought of the kayaking is giving me an appetite)

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

We haven't fished there yet, but we have fished further downstream in Woronora. We did see lots of fish while we were climbing over the rocks though.